Chechens Retreat, Leave Key Village To Russians

OTHER NEWS TO NOTE - The World

October 14, 1999

GROZNY, Russia - Chechen officials said their forces had retreated Wednesday from a key village west of the regional capital Grozny, as the focus of fighting with Russian forces moved south of the strategic Terek River. Russia's top officer leading the Chechnya campaign said up to 300 rebels were surrounded in the village. He also said the army's initial aim of securing three northern districts from the region's separatist leadership had been largely achieved and Russian troops can now move about at will.